Kumano Jofuku Mantosai (Shingu Fireworks Display)

The Kumano Jofuku Mantosai is an annual summer festival in Shingu, Kumano, combining traditional lantern ceremonies with a spectacular fireworks display over the Kumano River. Named after Xu Fu (Jofuku in Japanese), the legendary Chinese explorer said to have landed in Kumano over 2,000 years ago in search of the elixir of immortality, the festival honors this historical connection between China and Japan. Thousands of lanterns float down the river creating a mesmerizing prelude to the main fireworks show. The event celebrates Kumano's unique place in Japanese mythology and its international historical ties, drawing visitors to this sacred region of the Kii Peninsula.

This festival appeals to travelers seeking authentic regional matsuri away from major tourist circuits, as well as photography enthusiasts who will find the combination of floating lanterns and fireworks over water particularly compelling. The atmosphere blends reverent tradition with summer festival energy, as locals gather along the riverbanks for what is considered one of Wakayama Prefecture's finest pyrotechnic displays. Arrive early to secure a good riverside viewing spot, as the best vantage points fill up quickly before sunset.